Question:
So, I have had my sleep study

During the night, the tech came in with a mask and stated my oxygen dropped to 61%. I am to wait 2 weeks before getting a final report. Does anyone have a clue what this means?    — J.G. H. (posted on January 28, 2004)

January 28, 2004
I am guessing that episodes when you stopped breathing (sleep apnea) caused your oxygen level to drop enough that the tech added the oxygen. Last year, when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, I was prescribed additional oxygen in addition to bi-pap (machine) treatment. This year, when I had to have the test repeated prior to surgery, my oxygen didn't drop low enough for the doctor to prescribe oxygen. He said, that although I had many episodes of apnea (stopping breathing), my oxygen level had never really dropped, and that my brain was evidently sending messages to wake up and start breathing again as soon as I stopped. This varies by person, and I wouldn't be too concerned. If you can't wait, go ahead and call your doctor and ask him/her what it means and he or his nurse should be able to reassure you.
   — wschaffer

January 28, 2004
I agree with the other poster about the oxygen levels. You may not be getting enough oxygen while sleeping and that concerned the tech that was running your test. If you are that concerned about the results of the test, call your doctor.
   — Deb S.

January 29, 2004
Hi what this probably means is that you have sleep apnea and will have to be on some sort of CPAP machine to sleep at night. You are not taking in enough oxegen when you sleep. Mine dropped to 55% an scared the tech to death.LOL I am doing great now that I have a CPAP machine to sleep with. good luck and wear the mask to sleep when you get it you will get use to it and feel soooooooooo much better. peggy
   — Peggy R.